Event security

When it comes to security at sports events, it can be hard to gauge how much is too much.

 

Like most things, it is dependent on the situation and the variables involved such as the teams playing, how close the game is, how the officiating is perceived, how many people are there, and alcohol are just a few of these variables. The challenge for administrations is how to keep things safe, fair and inclusive. We want people coming to events, cheering on their team and having a good time. We do not want people that are disrespectful, abusive or causing harm.

 

Knowing the teams and the fans is a good first step. If you know who is attending it is easier to keep things controlled. Having a trained security staff can also help. They don't  have to be police officers, although that helps at certain events. One of the good ones I have seen is to enlist teachers of the school to stand near the student section to keep things under control. This simple gesture sent a strong message that the fans were there to have fun, but it had to be controlled.

 

There are many ideas on maintaining security, and even national conferences dedicated to the subject. The point to remember is that if you are going to an event, you are there to have a good time and be supportive. As for the administrators, they are there to put on a good event and to keep it safe.

 

​http://www.athleticbusiness.com/event-security/controlling-unruly-fans-at-all-levels-of-sports.html?eid=277204494&bid=1282052

Using biometrics

The use of biometrics is getting to be a more common way to ensure privacy and preserve identity and it is finding its way to College campuses.




In order to gain entry into a rec facility or campus gym students use a biometric device that identifies them, cross references them to an approved user of the facility and grants them access. The upside to this is that it is easy to use, the chances of sharing ID cards or pretending to be a student are eliminated and the safety of the facility increases. The downside is the cost, since it can be prohibitive, the reliability of the system and storing the information.




Since biometrics has been gaining traction as a way to preserve privacy with locking smart phones we can expect to see more and more use of this in the future. It may also expand to include access not just to the fitness centers, but classroom, sporting events and vehicles. Since there is no need to carry a card with you, this allows the institution the ability to track attendance, monitor use and even potentially identify those that are misusing the facilities.




If strength equipment gets to the point that they will automatically adjust to a biomarker, then whole workouts can be tracked and accessed just by scanning your hand. This will cut down on paper storage and thought involved with the workout, as the machine will automatically adjust to the user.


As time goes on it will be interesting to see where else biometric measurements will be used.




http://www.athleticbusiness.com/rec-center/biometrics-gaining-steam-in-college-rec.html?topic=1,400&eid=277204494&bid=1062662

Sports event safety

When the fans at a basketball stormed the court a week ago causing a dangerous situation, the need to review security measures for games and events surfaced. The most important thing with event security is preparation. It is of vital importance to work through the venue, understand the entry and exits, know the number of fans attending, know the fan behavior and review possible problems and responses. This is obviously a daunting task, and when added on top of all the other duties for hosting an event, it can be easily overlooked or forgotten. Not taking the time to review safety protocols and protocols can have devastating consequences.

 

There are a number of factors to consider when thinking of event security and each one needs to be analyzed. Once the particular event venue is mapped and understood, administrators can then work on developing criteria for staffing, safety, response and evacuation. Just like every event venue is different, so is every problem. Weather related incidents have a different response than fan violence or crowd control. The important thing to keep in mind is to take the time to review situations and develop a response plan. Working with other event coordinators, coaches, police, security and medical personnel can help get a broader view of what the potential problems are, and what some of the potential solutions are.

 

Once the first 2 steps of understanding the venue and crafting a response protocol have been accomplished, the next step is to share that information with all the individuals that are involved in the event. Everyone who has a role to play needs to know what their role is and how to do it. Having a policy and procedure manual is an important reference and first step, but take it further and have individual responsibilities included, as well as setting up drills and simulations. The more simulations and walk throughs that are performed when there is not an emergency situation will improve the response and reaction for when there is one.

 

Athletic Business is a great resource for athletic administrators and they have created a new security magazine that specifically addresses common concerns and some ways of dealing with them. The NCS4 is also a great resource for event security management. These resources can be invaluable for creating a comprehensive plan to keep all the stakeholders of an event safe.

 

The following link to some specific safety concerns to start your safety preparedness.

 

http://www.athleticbusiness.com/event-security/ensuring-safe-sports-venues-starts-with-event-staff-screening-training.html

http://www.athleticbusiness.com/stadium-arena-security/court-storming-is-there-even-a-solution-br.html

http://www.athleticbusiness.com/recreation-outdoor-security/developing-better-evacuation-plans-through-simulation-modeling.html

http://www.athleticbusiness.com/stadium-arena-security/how-to-prevent-fan-violence-at-sporting-events.html

http://www.athleticbusiness.com/stadium-arena-security/drones-emerging-as-security-threat-at-domestic-sporting-events.html